Backfield Report: Saquon Barkley using dominant efficiency into Week 2

We’re again, child.

Like a moth to the flame, soccer followers throughout America felt the return of soccer drawing them to their sofa, basement, or wherever their most well-liked place of isolation is perhaps.

It was a chaotic Week 1, as a number of groups appeared sluggish out of the gate. Add to that the painfully low passing numbers we noticed, and it’s protected to say most groups weren’t on the high of their sport within the season opener.

Regardless of the underwhelming begin, the joy of soccer’s return can’t be squelched. With this return additionally comes actionable information we will now apply to our fantasy rosters forward of Week 2. This season, I’ll be looking on the week-to-week snaps/alternatives/routes/targets every crew’s backfield supplied in hopes of giving managers a bit extra data so as to add to their proverbial fantasy instrument belt.

With out additional delay, let’s dive into the numbers.

NOTE: Snaps and route information courtesy ofFantasyPoints.com andPFF.com.

Arizona Cardinals

• James Conner (Week 1: 40 snaps, 19 alternatives, 15 routes, 3 targets)
• Emari Demercado (13 snaps, 2 alternatives, 8 routes, 2 targets)
• Trey Benson (8 snaps, 4 alternatives, 2 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:Fantasy managers stashing Trey Benson should train some endurance right here. The rookie second-rounder was clearly eased into his first sport of NFL motion and operated because the RB3 behind second-year UDFA Emari Demercado. Demercado gained’t play forward of Benson for lengthy, however Benson gained’t have any stand-alone fantasy upside so long as James Conner continues to monopolize the snaps/alternatives on this backfield. Regardless of a strong fantasy day (17.3 PPR), Conner averaged simply 3.1 YPC. A number of extra inefficient weeks on the bottom may open up extra alternatives for Benson — even when it’s solely on early downs.

Atlanta Falcons

• Bijan Robinson (Week 1: 45 snaps, 23 alternatives, 20 routes, 5 targets)
• Tyler Allgeier (Week 1: 9 snaps, 3 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:It was an enormous first week for Bijan Robinson. His 90 % snap share trailed solely Jonathan Taylor (95.3 %) and Kyren Williams (90.4 %), whereas his 20 routes tied Rachaad White and Tyjae Spears for eighth-most on the week. On the reverse aspect of issues, it couldn’t have been a worse opener for Tyler Allgeier. The third-year again noticed a 32.1 % snap share final season however seems to be little greater than a breather again for Robinson at this level. We’re just one week into this factor, and loads can change, however Allgeier ought to solely be rostered as a handcuff to Robinson managers. That mentioned, he has an opportunity to be a high-end handcuff if Robinson ever misses time.

Baltimore Ravens

• Derrick Henry (Week 1: 36 snaps, 14 alternatives, 8 routes, 1 goal)
• Justice Hill (Week 1: 38 snaps, 8 alternatives, 26 routes, 7 targets)

Notes:As anticipated, Derrick Henry is the unquestioned early-down again and goal-line choice within the Ravens offense. The extra stunning growth is the excessive fee of routes/targets Justice Hill noticed within the season-opener in opposition to the Chiefs. From 2021-2023, the Ravens, as a crew, ranked thirty first in whole targets to operating backs (225). Hill’s 26 routes run in Week 1 had been the fourth-highest whole of his profession, whereas his seven targets had been good for the second-most in his profession and tied with essentially the most of any operating again this week. Henry averaged simply 3.5 YPC on this one, and the Ravens had been by no means in sufficient management to lean on the bottom sport in a means that’s conducive to Henry’s fantasy success. Contemplating the Ravens’ lack of receiving expertise and Hill’s functionality as a pass-catcher, we may lastly see a PPR rip-off that has been six years within the making.

Buffalo Payments

• James Cook dinner (Week 1: 35 snaps, 22 alternatives, 14 routes, 3 targets)
• Ty Johnson (Week 1: 13 snaps, 3 alternatives, 8 routes, 1 goal)
• Ray Davis (Week 1: 6 snaps, 4 alternatives, 2 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:James Cook dinner performed on 60.3 % of the snaps on this one and dealt with 57.6 % of the dashing share. Each are last totals for the youthful Cook dinner brother, who totaled 13.3 PPR factors within the Payments’ Week 1 win over the Cardinals. Ty Johnson, who noticed an 18.4 % snap share from Weeks 11-18 final season, was the clear RB2 within the opener however is properly behind Cook dinner and simply narrowly forward of rookie Ray Davis, who the crew used a fourth-round choose on earlier this yr. Davis averaged an efficient 6.8 yards per contact on his 4 alternatives and will finally emerge as Cook dinner’s main backup sooner fairly than later. If there’s a operating again to stash on this offense, it all the time was and continues to be Davis, whose snaps ought to solely go up within the coming weeks.

Carolina Panthers

• Chuba Hubbard (Week 1: 30 snaps, 6 alternatives, 17 routes, 0 targets)
• Miles Sanders (Week 1: 20 snaps, 6 alternatives, 9 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:Newly-minted head coach Dave Canales funneled 70 targets to Rachaad White final season, whereas White’s 451 routes led all operating backs. That Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders may muster just one goal on 26 mixed routes in a 47-10 blowout is regarding. Their mixed 12 alternatives are a complete different drawback in itself, however we’ll give Canales a mulligan in his head teaching debut. That mentioned, it was a number of the identical outdated Panthers, who had been outclassed by the Saints in a means most didn’t count on in Week 1. Neither Hubbard nor Sanders had been significantly enticing fantasy choices heading into the season, as Sanders went undrafted in in most redraft leagues. The again fantasy managers are holding out for is rookie Jonathon Brooks, who’s recovering from a torn ACL he suffered final November whereas taking part in for the Texas Longhorns. There’s not loads to get enthusiastic about right here.

Chicago Bears

• D’Andre Swift (Week 1: 38 snaps, 11 alternatives, 16 routes, 1 goal)
• Travis Homer (Week 1: 11 snaps, 2 alternatives, 7 routes, 0 targets)
• Khalil Herbert (Week 1: 6 snaps, 2 alternatives, 6 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:D’Andre Swift noticed the snap share (71.7 %) and alternative share (47.8 %) fantasy managers hoped for, however a disastrous outing by the Bears offense as a complete made fantasy manufacturing onerous to return by. The Bears rode the coattails of two defensive touchdowns to victory in a sport the place the offense mustered solely 148 whole yards and 64 passing yards. In the event you missed depression-era soccer, Sunday’s Bears vs. Titans matchup certainly scratched that itch in a means few may have anticipated. Swift wasn’t nice together with his alternatives, dashing for 10-30-0 whereas failing to haul in his lone goal. Issues will hopefully go up from right here of their Week 2 matchup in opposition to the Texans.

Cleveland Browns

• Jerome Ford (Week 1: 50 snaps, 19 alternatives, 34 routes, 7 targets)
• Pierre Sturdy (Week 1: 18 snaps, 5 alternatives, 14 routes, 3 targets)

Notes:It was enterprise as common for the Browns in Week 1. Deshaun Watson was horrible. The offense struggled because of this, and the backfield was the one factor conserving issues considerably aggressive — which is placing it properly. As anticipated, Jerome Ford shouldered the vast majority of the work right here, operating the second-most routes of any again this week whereas tying for a league-high seven targets. His 18.9 PPR factors tied with Aaron Jones and Kenneth Walker for an RB8 end on the week. So long as Nick Chubb (knee) is out, Ford will proceed to guide the Browns’ backfield in snaps and alternatives. He’s a high-upside RB2 each week and needs to be in for an additional sturdy outing in opposition to the Jaguars this week.

Dallas Cowboys

• Ezekiel Elliott (Week 1: 30 snaps, 12 alternatives, 9 routes, 2 targets)
• Rico Dowdle (Week 1: 27 snaps, 9 alternatives, 9 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:The Cowboys’ backfield was among the many most puzzling and extremely debated backfields this offseason. The thought of Mike McCarthy that includes a dusty Ezekiel Elliott as his RB1 appeared unserious on the time, but it surely was Zeke who narrowly edged out Rico Dowdle in snaps/alternatives on this one. Elliott rushed for 10-40-1 in opposition to a stout Browns protection, whereas Dowdle totaled 26 scoreless yards on the bottom on eight carries. No matter our opinion on the backfield, issues had been very a lot break up between Elliott and Dowdle — which was anticipated. The Cowboys had just one rush try within the inexperienced zone, which went to Elliott. It’s a small pattern dimension, however his perceived goal-line utilization offers him a slight edge over Dowdle so far as fantasy viability is worried, making Dowdle a dangerous play in the interim.

Denver Broncos

• Javonte Williams (Week 1: 35 snaps, 10 alternatives, 19 routes, 2 targets)
• Jaleel McLaughlin (Week 1: 25 snaps, 15 alternatives, 12 routes, 5 targets)
• Audric Estime (Week 1: 3 snaps, 2 alternatives, 1 route, 0 targets)

Notes:Javonte Williams led the Broncos’ backfield with a 50.7 % snap share, but it surely was McLaughlin who led them in alternatives and targets regardless of operating seven fewer routes. On third and fourth downs, Williams had 10 snaps to McLaughlin’s six. Neither again was environment friendly with the alternatives given them, as Williams averaged a meager 2.6 yards per contact whereas McLaughlin averaged 1.9 YPT. On the plus aspect, any concern about this backfield being a three-way break up could be put to mattress in the interim. Rookie Audric Estime performed strictly as a backup and misplaced a fumble on one of many three alternatives given to him. There’s probability he’s been banished to the Shadow Realm. Williams and McLaughlin can’t be counted on as something greater than RB3 performs in PPR leagues till a transparent/extra environment friendly chief emerges.

Detroit Lions

• Jahmyr Gibbs (Week 1: 31 snaps, 17 alternatives, 17 routes, 6 targets)
• David Montgomery Week 1: 30 snaps, 18 alternatives, 11 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:The Week 1 break up between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery felt all too acquainted on Sunday evening. It wasn’t sudden, nevertheless. Gibbs totaled 17.4 PPR factors within the prime-time win over the Rams, whereas David Montgomery, who ended the sport together with his game-sealing landing, totaled 16.3 PPR factors. As anticipated, Gibbs additionally led the backfield in targets and tied with Rachaad White for the second-most targets of any operating again regardless of operating simply 17 routes, which ranked fifteenth on the place. Whereas each backs are vulnerable to vulturing productive fantasy weeks from each other, the upside is precisely what we noticed in Week 1. Taking part in in one of many league’s high offenses, Gibbs and Montgomery each have high-end RB2 upside and will sneak into an RB1 end if issues merely break proper for one or the opposite. The weekly outcomes are powerful to foretell, however each are price beginning the place rostered.

Inexperienced Bay Packers

• Josh Jacobs (Week 1: 42 snaps, 19 alternatives, 17 routes, 3 targets)
• Emmanuel Wilson (Week 1: 15 snaps, 7 alternatives, 10 routes, 3 targets)

Notes:A hamstring harm saved rookie MarShawn Lloyd on the sidelines in Week 1 in opposition to the Eagles and subsequently paved the best way for a busy day for Josh Jacobs. Issues obtained off to a gradual begin for Jacobs at first, however he finally obtained issues going and completed the week with 104 yards from scrimmage whereas averaging 5.8 YPT. Emmanuel Wilson, in the interim, is the handcuff to Jacobs, however that might change as soon as Lloyd is lively and up to the mark after lacking a good portion of the offseason. Regardless, the one again with true stand-alone fantasy worth is Jacobs, who will get a Colts crew that’s recent off permitting an enormous dashing day to Joe Mixon — who shall be mentioned beneath.

Houston Texans

• Joe Mixon (Week 1: 54 snaps, 33 alternatives, 15 routes, 3 targets)
• Dare Ogunbowale (Week 1: 13 snaps, 1 alternative, 8 routes, 1 goal)
• Dameon Pierce (Week 1: 9 snaps, 3 alternatives, 2 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:After buying and selling for Joe Mixon this offseason, the Texans made the curious resolution to provide the 28-year-old again a three-year extension that can maintain him below contract by way of the 2026 season. Whether or not or not that works out for the long-term is to be decided, however the resolution seemed like one in Week 1 in opposition to the Colts when he rushed for 30-159-1, fully monopolizing the Texans’ backfield touches. Along with ending as fantasy RB2 with 26.8 PPR factors, Mixon additionally averaged a strong 3.37 YCO/ATT and racked up 101 yards after contact. It was a much more environment friendly day than we’re accustomed to seeing from Mixon, however as common, he may journey a high-volume season into a powerful fantasy end even when the effectivity declines.

Indianapolis Colts

• Jonathan Taylor (Week 1: 41 snaps, 16 alternatives, 17 routes, 0 targets)
• Trey Sermon (Week 1: 2 snaps, 0 alternatives, 2 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:Jonathan Taylor led all operating backs with a 95.3 % snap share final week. His 16 alternatives really feel surprisingly low given how a lot he was on the sphere — and the truth that Anthony Richardson solely tried 19 passes, however Richardson additionally rushed six instances for 56 yards and a rating. Taylor’s dashing line of 16-48-1 gained’t get anyone excited, however not like the break up he noticed with Zack Moss final season, this backfield belongs to him (and Richardson).

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Travis Etienne (Week 1: 33 snaps, 15 alternatives, 12 routes, 3 targets)
• Tank Bigsby (Week 1: 18 snaps, 12 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)

Notice:The utilization Tank Bigsby noticed in Week 1 in opposition to the Dolphins was precisely the form of utilization fantasy managers hoped for final season after the Jaguars drafted him within the third spherical. Bigsby roughly red-shirted his rookie season, dashing for 50-132-2 in 17 video games whereas seeing simply 4 targets. After only one sport, Bigsby is on a 17-game tempo for 204 carries and 1,241 yards. It was a surprisingly sturdy day for Bigsby, who has undoubtedly struck worry into the hearts of fantasy managers who drafted Travis Etienne this offseason. Regardless of Bigsby’s sturdy day, Etienne nonetheless led the best way with 15 alternatives and dominated in each routes and targets. He additionally dealt with the crew’s solely rush try within the inexperienced zone. It goes with out saying that Etienne is a must-start participant in all codecs, however Bigsby is the unquestioned RB2 on this backfield who may carry some stand-alone worth if his position continues to develop.

Kansas Metropolis Chiefs

• Isiah Pacheco (Week 1: 40 snap, 18 alternatives, 19 routes, 3 targets)
• Samaje Perine (Week 1: 8 snaps, 2 alternatives, 7 routes, 2 targets)
• Carson Steele (Week 1: 4 snaps, 2 alternatives, 1 route, 0 targets)

Notes:In a backfield that’s quick on expertise (UDFA Carson Steele) and familiarity with the Chiefs’s offensive system (Samaje Perine), Isiah Pacheco noticed 80 % of the backfield snaps whereas dealing with 81.8 % of the backfield’s alternatives. Perine snuck in two targets later within the sport, however Week 1 belonged to Pacheco. Pacheco performed on simply 60.9 % of the Chiefs snaps final season, so it’s honest to query whether or not or not what we noticed in Week 1 will develop into the norm. Perine looks like a powerful candidate to deal with extra work within the passing sport as he familiarizes himself with the offense, so we’ll see how issues form up within the coming weeks. I proceed to love Perine as a deep stash in full/half-PPR leagues.

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Las Vegas Raiders

• Alexander Mattison (Week 1: 35 snaps, 10 alternatives, 21 routes, 5 targets)
• Zamir White (Week 1: 23 snaps, 15 alternatives, 9 routes, 2 targets)

Notes:The priority for Zamir White has all the time been his lack of manufacturing as a pass-catcher. The third-year again entered this season with simply 15 profession receptions to his title and solely caught 17 passes in three seasons at Georgia. Simply as anticipated, White was a close to non-factor within the passing sport in Week 1 in opposition to the Chargers, whereas Alexander greater than doubled his route whole and had 5 targets to White’s two. White nonetheless led the backfield in whole alternatives however averaged simply 46 scoreless yards from scrimmage, whereas Mattison totaled 62 yards on 5 fewer touches and located the top zone. Rookie Dylan Laube may finally emerge because the third down/pass-catching again on this offense, however he was a wholesome scratch in Week 1. Mattison was strong out of the gate and could have some stand-alone PPR upside in him this season.

Los Angeles Chargers

• J.Ok. Dobbins (Week 1: 32 snaps, 13 alternatives, 16 routes, 3 targets)
• Gus Edwards (Week 1: 22 snaps, 12 alternatives, 5 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:It was a triumphant return for J.Ok. Dobbins in his Chargers debut. After struggling a torn Achilles in final yr’s season-opener, the previous Raven made essentially the most of his 13 alternatives, dashing for a powerful 10-135-1 whereas catching three passes for 4 yards. Dobbins seemed surprisingly explosive for a participant whose harm historical past additionally features a torn ACL (2021) and was far and away the Chargers’ finest operating again on Sunday. Veteran Gus Edwards had only one much less alternative than Edwards however averaged simply 2.3 yards per contact. The scenario on this backfield needs to be considered the identical because it was in Week 1. Dobbins may have the upper upside on a week-to-week foundation, whereas Edwards’ fantasy manufacturing will usually hinge on whether or not or not he falls into the top zone from a yard out.

Los Angeles Rams

• Kyren Williams (Week 1: 67 snaps, 21 alternatives, 38 routes, 3 targets)
• Ronnie Rivers (Week 1: 7 snaps, 2 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)
• Blake Corum (Week 1: 0 snaps, 0 alternatives, 0 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:After every week of fantasy managers overreacting to the concept of Kyren Williams returning punts, the Rams’ bell-cow again earned a 90.5 % snap share in his 2024 debut whereas seeing 92.3 % of the backfield alternatives. In different phrases, the whole lot we got here to know and love about Williams in 2023 was there in Week 1. Relative to his workload, Williams underwhelmed by scoring “simply” 14.4 PPR factors, however he was the RB5 in anticipated fantasy factors (19.8), trailing solely Joe Mixon, De’Von Achane, Jerome Ford, and Saquon Barkley. Essentially the most stunning factor within the Rams’ backfield was the donuts in Blake Corum’s field rating, because the rookie third-rounder didn’t take an offensive snap in his debut.

Miami Dolphins

• De’Von Achane (Week 1: 32 snaps, 17 alternatives, 19 routes, 7 targets)
• Raheem Mostert (Week 1: 28 snaps, 9 alternatives, 12 routes, 3 targets)
• Jeff Wilson (Week 1: 11 snaps, 5 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:Head coach Mike McDaniel caught to his phrase when he mentioned De’Von Achane would see extra work as a receiver. The second-year again lined up as a receiver on 15 snaps and caught a career-high seven passes in opposition to the Jaguars whereas posting 76 receiving yards — additionally a career-high. Achane’s alternatives almost doubled that of Mostert, who rushed six instances for 9 yards. Regardless of a powerful season through which he rushed for 209-1012-18, we will’t ignore how sudden Mostert’s 2023 efficiency was. We can also’t deny that father time comes for each operating again and {that a} 32-year-old Mostert may, at any second, seem like a shell of the participant he as soon as was. It’s too early to say that is taking place, but it surely’s not too early to say that Achane’s utilization suggests he’s the popular go-to again in Miami’s backfield, even when the snaps had been a close to 50-50 break up.

Notes: 2.0Each Mostert (chest) and Achane (ankle) had been DNPs on Monday and Tuesday. Mostert was dominated out for Thursday evening’s matchup in opposition to the Payments shortly earlier than this text was printed, whereas Achane is taken into account a game-time resolution. Achane’s standing shall be one to observe on Thursday, and rookie Jaylen Wright needs to be extra concerned than he was in Week 1.

Minnesota Vikings

• Aaron Jones (Week 1: 27 snaps, 16 alternatives, 9 routes, 2 targets)
• Ty Chandler (Week 1: 20 snaps, 11 alternatives, 8 routes, 3 targets)

Notes:Aaron Jones was again to his outdated methods in his Vikings debut, dashing 14 instances for 94 yards and a landing (6.4 YPC) whereas catching two passes for an extra 15 yards. Jones ran just one extra route than backup Ty Chandler, who was far much less productive together with his 11 alternatives (3.8 yards per contact), however Chandler is the unquestioned RB2 on this Vikings’ backfield. As we noticed final season, Jones’ age and harm historical past may open the door for an additional again to take up the mantle at a second’s discover. Myles Gaskin, who was activated from the follow squad for Week 1, performed on simply two snaps. Chandler is a powerful handcuff to scoop up if he’s accessible in your league.

New England Patriots

• Rhamondre Stevenson (Week 1: 52 snaps, 28 alternatives, 21 routes, 3 targets)
• Antonio Gibson (Week 1: 13 snaps, 7 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:The 28 alternatives Rhamondre Stevenson noticed in Week 1 in opposition to the Bengals set a brand new career-high for the four-year vet. Stevenson was a real bell-cow for the Patriots within the crew’s first sport below head coach Jerod Mayo and seems to have relegated Antonio Gibson to little greater than a breather again for now. Gibson, whose calling card has been his pass-catching, managed solely three routes and didn’t draw a goal. His truthers, what few stay, are down extremely dangerous as issues stand proper now. Maybe this could have been anticipated after the Patriots signed Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million extension this offseason in an period the place groups are hesitant to provide operating backs huge contracts, however even the best-case state of affairs for Stevenson didn’t embrace an 80 % alternative share in Week 1. Stevenson is a must-start subsequent week in opposition to the Seahawks, whereas Gibson is nothing greater than a stash — and a probably low-value one at that.

New Orleans Saints

• Alvin Kamara (Week 1: 30 snaps, 20 alternatives, 13 routes, 5 targets)
• Jamaal Williams (Week 1: 22 snaps, 12 alternatives, 6 routes, 1 goal)
• Jordan Mims (Week 1: 5 snaps, 4 alternatives, 1 route, 0 targets)

Notes:The snap and alternatives on this sport look far nearer than they had been in actuality. Of the 30 snaps Kamara performed on, 29 of them got here within the first three quarters. All however one in every of his 20 alternatives additionally got here within the first three quarters. Jamaal Williams is the RB2 behind Kamara, however the hole between the 2 is much wider than what any field rating scout would inform you. In a extra aggressive sport, it’s potential Kamara would’ve led all operating backs in targets and alternatives. Williams’ 12.1 fantasy factors seem like one thing price chasing till you understand he rushed for 4-18-1 within the fourth quarter in mop-up responsibility. Stash him in your bench for those who’d like, however he can’t be trusted in Week 2 in opposition to the Cowboys. That is Kamara’s backfield, per common.

New York Giants

• Devin Singletary (Week 1: 49 snaps, 15 alternatives, 21 routes, 5 targets)
• Tyrone Tracy (Week 1: 14 snaps, 5 alternatives, 10 routes, 3 targets)
• Eric Grey (Week 1: 6 snaps, 3 alternatives, 4 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:Tasked with changing Saquon Barkley because the Giants’ bell-cow this season, Devin Singletary did all he may in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. His 72.1 % snap share was good for Eleventh-highest amongst operating backs, and he totaled 52 yards from scrimmage whereas additionally catching 4 balls. It wasn’t efficiency for Singletary, or any member of the Giants’ offense for that matter, as Daniel Jones continues to decrease no matter ceiling this crew has in 2024. Rookie Tyrone Tracy labored in a bit with the offense, but it surely wasn’t something to get enthusiastic about. Singletary is a volume-based play in opposition to the Commanders in Week 2, and nothing extra.

New York Jets

• Breece Corridor (Week 1: 41 snaps, 22 alternatives, 20 routes, 6 targets)
• Braelon Allen (Week 1: 8 snaps, 2 alternatives, 7 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:The one operating again of notice right here was Breece Corridor. The Jets’ RB1 performed on each significant snap till the sport was properly out of attain in Monday evening’s loss to the 49ers. Braelon Allen noticed seven of his eight snaps come within the fourth quarter in mop-up responsibility. Allen stays a strong stash behind Corridor however doesn’t have any fantasy upside right now.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Saquon Barkley (Week 1: 60 snaps, 26 alternatives, 23 routes, 2 targets)
• Kenneth Gainwell (Week 1: 14 snaps, 2 alternatives, 7 routes, 1 goal)
• Will Shipley (Week 1: 4 snaps, 0 alternatives, 3 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:Saquon Barkley dominated the evening in his Eagles’ debut. Barkley totaled 132 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns whereas seeing 92.9 % of the Eagles’ backfield alternatives. The largest menace to Barkley’s fantasy upside is Jalen Hurts, who nonetheless stands to vulture goal-line touches on Philly’s signature “Tush Push,” however Hurts didn’t discover the top zone in Week 1.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Najee Harris (Week 1: 38 snaps, 22 alternatives, 8 routes, 2 targets)
• Jaylen Warren (Week 1: 19 snaps, 4 alternatives, 8 routes, 2 targets)
• Cordarrelle Patterson (Week 1: 9 snaps, 4 alternatives, 2 routes, 0 targets)

Notes:The break up we noticed between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in 2023 was a non-issue for Harris managers in Week 1. In whole, Harris dealt with 22 of the Steelers’ 30 backfield alternatives whereas additionally receiving a 57.6 % snap share. It’s just one week, however Warren’s lack of involvement forward of Week 2’s matchup in opposition to the Broncos is regarding. Harris wasn’t overly spectacular, dashing 20 instances for 70 scoreless yards, so it’s potential the Steelers will give Warren extra seems subsequent trip, however that’s all to be decided.

San Francisco 49ers

• Jordan Mason (Week 1: 57 snaps, 29 alternatives, 20 routes, 1 goal)

Notes:Jordan Mason stuffed in for Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), and turned in a profession evening. Mason rushed for 28-147-1 whereas rating ninth in YCO/ATT (3.44) and compelled a missed deal with on 32.1 % of his carries — a powerful mark for the third-year again. The one different participant who took significant backfield snaps for the 49ers was Deebo Samuel, who rushed eight instances for 23 yards and a landing. With McCaffrey a potential long-shot to play in Week 2 in opposition to the Vikings, it’s potential we’ll be in line for an additional heavy dosage of Mason, who would have RB1 upside.

Seattle Seahawks

• Kenneth Walker (Week 1: 40 snaps, 23 alternatives, 13 routes, 3 targets)
• Zach Charbonnet (Week 1: 20 snaps, 10 alternatives, 8 routes, 2 targets)

Notes:Kenneth Walker performed on 66.7 % of the Seahawks’ snaps and turned in a extremely productive Week 1, dashing for 20-103-1 in opposition to the Broncos whereas including two receptions for six extra yards. Of the 20 snaps Charbonnet performed, 11 got here within the fourth quarter after Charbonnet left with a core harm. Walker shall be a reputation to search for on the harm report when it drops on Wednesday. Ought to he miss time, Charbonnet could be in for a busy Week 2 in opposition to the Patriots.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Rachaad White (Week 1: 43 snaps, 21 alternatives, 20 routes, 6 targets)
• Bucky Irving (Week 1: 19 snaps, 12 alternatives, 7 routes, 3 targets)

Notes:Rachaad White totaled 106 yards from scrimmage however didn’t discover the top zone in Sunday’s win over the Commanders. He was inefficient on the bottom, dashing 15 instances for 31 yards, however caught six passes for 75 yards to salvage what would have in any other case been an underwhelming day. Rookie Bucky Irving was considered as an instantaneous challenger to White for touches after the crew drafted him within the fourth spherical earlier this yr. In his rookie debut, Irving solely strengthened his case to see extra work on the bottom after dashing 9 instances for 62 yards. He didn’t drive a missed deal with on any of his carries, per PFF, however did add two receptions for 14 yards. White will doubtless keep busy within the passing sport for a lot of the season, however his fantasy worth may take a critical hit if Irving continues to emerge within the coming weeks. Irving is at the moment accessible in 75 % of Sleeper leagues, and is a powerful stash for anyone in want of operating again assist.

Tennessee Titans

• Tony Pollard (Week 1: 38 snaps, 20 alternatives, 14 routes, 4 targets)
• Tyjae Spears (Week 1: 27 snaps, 8 alternatives, 20 routes, 4 targets)

Notes:So far as snaps are involved, the 50-50 break up many anticipated to see within the Titans’ backfield was swung in Tony Pollard’s favor in Week 1. Pollard noticed a 62.3 % snap share to Tyjae Spears’ 44.3 % however greater than doubled Spears in alternatives. Within the crimson zone, Pollard noticed 4 snaps to Spears’ 1, though it’s price noting the Titans didn’t spend a lot time within the crimson zone — one thing that could possibly be a typical theme for them in 2024. For now, Pollard is the again to have in fantasy. He ran the ball 16 instances to Spears’ 4 and noticed the identical variety of targets. Pollard was additionally strong on the bottom, dashing for 82 yards and a landing in opposition to the Bears. As was all the time the case, Spears’ upside will usually come within the passing sport, but when Week 1 is any indicator, his manufacturing may show inconsistent this season.

Washington Commanders

• Brian Robinson (Week 1: 32 snaps, 16 alternatives, 7 routes, 4 targets)
• Austin Ekeler (Week 1: 28 snaps, 6 alternatives, 15 routes, 4 targets)

Notes:Brian Robinson led the Commanders’ backfield in early downs, with 14 of his 16 alternatives approaching first or second down. Curiously, 5 of Ekeler’s additionally got here on first or second down, because the Commanders frivolously utilized their backs on third downs. In equity, their drives had been quick, and so they confronted solely eight third downs in comparison with the 14 the Buccaneers discovered themselves in. Robinson rushed 12 instances for 40 yards and a landing within the loss to Tampa and noticed Jayden Daniels rush in two short-yardage scores of his personal to spoil what might have been a extra productive fantasy outing. Ekeler totaled 62 yards and averaged a powerful 10.3 yards per contact, together with his greatest play approaching a 22-yard reception. The Commanders’ offense didn’t give of us a lot to be enthusiastic about in Week 1. In true Kliff Kingsbury Horizontal Raid vogue, the offense’s try and make the most of quick passes led to little success, leading to a comparatively one-sided affair within the 37-20 defeat. Ekeler’s explosiveness in restricted alternatives may lend itself to extra seems in Week 2 in opposition to the Giants, however neither again needs to be considered as something greater than an RB3 in the interim.